Architetture ('Architectures'), a concerto for orchestra in seven linked sections, was the piece that catapulted the Italian composer Giorgio Federico Ghedini to fame in his home country at the late age of 48. On this disc it is coupled with two more of his fi nest orchestral works. The powerful atmosphere and stunning orchestral effects of Marinaresca e baccanale ('Sea Piece and Bacchanale'), written several years earlier, prove that Ghedini's belated recognition was fully deserved. Contrappunti ('Counterpoints'), which Ghedini composed much later in life, fi nds him responding to the inspiration of one of his lifelong musical heroes, Beethoven.

American Record Guide, March/April 2014A good example is Architetture (1940), where Ghedini created an "organization of abstract musical elements into a series of edifices in sound, which are in their turn cemented together by a clear thematic and constructional logic" (annotator David Gallagher). What is remarkable about Marinaresca e Bacchanale (Sea Piece and Bacchanal, 1933) is that landlubber Ghedini's knowledge of the sea was limited to the Mediterranean, and then only late in life. The work is drawn entirely from his imagination and sounds like no sea music I've heard. Contrappunti (1961), for string trio and orchestra, it is the most conservative piece here, with textures less austere and daring than the other works. Performances and sound are excellent, as are Gallagher's thorough notes. This is an excellent place to begin.